The Details
Your holiday begins in Lisbon, Portugal’s energetic capital, where you’ll explore the historic districts of Alfama, Bairro Alto and Belem. Our guides will give you an introduction to the city, its layout, history and cuisine, with time to explore under your own steam.
Santa Apolonia, Lisbon’s oldest train station, is your first exit point. You’ll take the Intercidades service north to the city of Coimbra: the medieval capital of central Portugal and home to the country’s oldest academic institution. The Romans, the North Africans and the Royal House of Avis have all staked their claim to the city, thanks to its high vantage point overlooking the Mondego River. You’ll see where all three made their mark in the Cidade Alto (High Town) district – in its archaeology, its architecture and its hearty regional cuisine.
Back on the rails, you’ll pass through the capital once again – alighting at Lisbon’s Estacao Oriente, the city’s main railway hub, where you’ll connect with a south-bound to the capital of the Alentejo region: Evora. An often-overlooked gem, Evora is a charming city of cramped cobbled streets, sun-bleached plazas and dramatic UNESCO-protected landmarks: Diana’s Temple, the Palacio de Dom Manuel and the infamous Chapel of Bones. You’ll also head south in the company of our Evora guide, for a tour of the 13th century hilltop fort town of Monsaraz – a beautiful, medieval time capsule which has stood gaurd over the Spanish border for over eight hundred years.
Your fourth and final Intercidades train will bring you back to Lisbon for your flight home.
